Dave

DoubleTree by Hilton to open six new hotels across Europe

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Hilton has confirmed significant expansions to its DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio, with the announcement of six new European hotels in Italy, France, Romania, Hungary, the Netherlands and Germany.

DoubleTree is Hilton’s fastest growing full-service brand in Europe, with 37 hotels expected to open in the region in the next five years, and the hotels join 120 DoubleTree by Hilton properties currently operating in Europe.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton said,

Since its arrival in Europe in 2008, DoubleTree by Hilton has continued to lead the way for European upscale growth, now operating in 19 countries with plans to launch in seven more in the coming years.

A brand highly suited to capture owner demand for conversion properties, DoubleTree by Hilton’s considerable global reputation and loyal customer base makes the brand an attractive opportunity for development.

With Hilton reaching 600 hotels across Europe, Middle East and Africa, 140 of which are under DoubleTree by Hilton, these six hotels are strategically located to capture the growth in consumer preference and business demands while marking an entry for Hilton into new destinations.

Shawn McAteer, global brand head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said,

DoubleTree by Hilton’s robust growth in Europe and debut in new destinations throughout the region allow us more opportunity to deliver the warm welcome and signature hospitality that guests have come to expect from the acclaimed brand.

Offering contemporary accommodations, state-of-the-art meetings and events space, thoughtful wellness amenities and unique dining experiences, these new properties continue to exemplify the brand’s successful global growth strategy and are well prepared to welcome business and leisure travelers from around the world.

DoubleTree by Hilton Sittard is Hilton’s first hotel in the Dutch province of Limburg.

DoubleTree by Hilton Sittard – the Netherlands

Newly opened in December 2021, DoubleTree by Hilton Sittard follows a franchise agreement with Black Label Hospitality.

The historic building houses 90 rooms, all-day dining in the hotel’s French restaurant, a fitness centre, meeting and events spaces and the exceptional Bar Bisco in the property’s former chapel.

The hotel is five minutes’ walk from the main attractions of the city, including the plethora of 16th and 17th-century buildings, while also being a short drive into Germany and Belgium.

DoubleTree by Hilton Sittard is Hilton’s first hotel in the Dutch province of Limburg and presents a unique opportunity for Hilton to capture business and leisure travel from local, national and international travellers. 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hannover Schweizerhof is Hilton’s first hotel in Hannover

DoubleTree by Hilton Hannover Schweizerhof – Germany

Following a franchise agreement with Schweizerhof Hotel GmbH & Co. KG, DoubleTree by Hilton Hannover Schweizerhof opened in December 2021 with plans for a staged investment strategy over the Spring and Summer that will elevate the hotel’s already enviable facilities.

As Hilton’s first hotel in Hannover, the capital of lower Saxony and one of the leading exhibition cities in the world, the hotel will help the city host more than 60 international and national exhibitions annually.

The 200-room hotel is conveniently located less than one kilometer from Hannover’s banking and court district and in close proximity to Hannover train station.

Amenities include a bistro restaurant and bar, 880 square meters of meeting space and wellness and spa facilities.

DoubleTree by Hilton Lyon Eurexpo isOur hotel is less than 15 minutes from Eurexpo Lyon, Matmut Stadium, and Groupama Stadium.

DoubleTree by Hilton Lyon Eurexpo – France

DoubleTree by Hilton Lyon Eurexpo is Hilton’s first DoubleTree property in France and is based in Lyon, France’s third largest city, situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Opened in January 2022, the contemporary hotel offers 141 guest rooms, four ‘modulable’ meeting rooms and a fitness centre.

The hotel is located at the Technological Park of Saint-Priest, home to over 200 companies and minutes away from the Lyon Eurexpo Exhibition Centre, which is the second largest exhibition venue in France.

The French restaurant features a garden and terrace and the 300 square metre sunlit ballroom is perfect for events and meetings.

Operating under a franchise agreement with SARL Société de l´Hotel du Lac, the hotel will be managed by Solanet Gestion Hôtelière.

DoubleTree by Hilton Milan Malpensa Solbiate Olona will be close to Milano Malpensa airport

DoubleTree by Hilton Milan Malpensa Solbiate Olona – Italy

Expected to open in April 2022, DoubleTree by Hilton Milan Malpensa Solbiate Olona will join seven other DoubleTree by Hilton properties operating in Italy.

The 246-room hotel will open following a franchise agreement with GDF Group, an established partner for Hilton in Italy.

Both Malpensa airport, Italy’s second busiest airport, and the Malpensa Fiere exhibition venue, which welcomed over 250,000 exhibition goers in 2019, are a 15-minute drive away, while central Milan is 25 minutes away.

The hotel’s Convention Centre, which will include seven meeting rooms, will also provide meeting facilities to surrounding businesses. 

DoubleTree by Hilton Budapest Buda Hills Hotel and Residences is situated in Budapest, the home of Hungary’s parliament

DoubleTree by Hilton Budapest Buda Hills Hotel and Residences – Hungary

Debuting as the first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Hungary, DoubleTree by Hilton Budapest Buda Hills Hotel and Residences will be situated in Pösingermajor, a prime neighbourhood in the capital of Hungary.

The city is one of Central Europe’s leading financial and culture centres, and home to UNESCO world heritage sites such as Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square.

The stunning hotel is expected to open its doors in 2023, featuring wellness and spa facilities, a swimming pool and meeting space.

The hotel will open following a franchise agreement with Rupphegyi Kft, a Hungarian real estate development and management company.

Brasov is famed for its rich, medieval history

DoubleTree by Hilton Brasov City Centre – Romania

DoubleTree by Hilton Brasov City Centre is set to launch as the first Hilton hotel in Brasov, Romania’s most visited city after Bucharest, famous for its rich medieval history.

The upscale hotel will be ideally located in the heart of Brasov city centre, offering easy access to the city’s six industrial parks and the historic old town to appeal to leisure and business travellers.

Currently scheduled to open in 2024, amenities will include a sky bar, a casino with a separate entrance, meeting facilities, and a fitness and wellness centre.

The property will operate under a management agreement between Hilton and Crown Venus Residence Estate SRL. 

Guests of all properties will be able to benefit from the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme.

Since its introduction to Europe in 2008, Hilton has continued to grow its DoubleTree by Hilton brand to meet market demands for upscale hotels, opening ten hotels last year in locations including London, Frankfurt and Brussels.

As Hilton’s fastest-growing ‘upscale’ brand in Europe, DoubleTree by Hilton expects to open another 24 hotels over the next two years, joining more than 120 hotels already open in Europe.

Dave

My favourite airline: Virgin Atlantic – Scott Pawley

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Scott Pawley, Managing Director of Global Travel Management shares his favourite airline and tells us why Virgin Atlantic.  

Charismatic, fun and cheeky: Virgin Atlantic was built in the image of its founder, Richard Branson

The best airline depends on the destination you’re travelling to and the level of service you expect.  So, in choosing my favourite airline I took note of the range of destinations covered and the which airlines ‘go the extra mile.  And, taking account of those two criteria, Virgin Atlantic can rightly claim to be a great airline.  

Since 1984, when Richard Branson expanded his empire from music and entertainment to the aviation industry, the Virgin brand has competed for passenger traffic on some of the most popular routes.  And, as Scott says, they set about changing the way customers saw airlines.  

They had a culture of simply giving passengers everything they wanted and needed – a clubbed together several minds that knew exactly what people want.  Not surprising from a brand that launched Culture Club and Simple Minds. 

They gave legitimacy to having a business with a cheeky personality; but always managed to stay the right side of ‘over the top’. 

Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson shows off a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350-XWB at Farnborough Air Show

Onboard massages and seat-back video games were among the offers that got Virgin Atlantic noticed and kept them at the forefront of people’s thought. 

Scott also drew parallels between Virgin’s airline brand and Global Travel Management.  

It’s a company that embraced innovation, offered a great service and competed with much bigger, established competitors.  It’s exactly how we at GTM have approached the business travel industry: innovating, providing the best-possible offering and showing how an independent, smaller travel management company can provide a better service than some of the venture capital-owned agencies.  

Although Scott didn’t extend the similarity much further. 

I haven’t flown hot air balloons, abseiled down the Matterhorn or launched people into space.  Yet.  

Scott explained some of the things that sets Virgin Atlantic apart:

The Wander Wall in Virgin Atlantic’s Premium cabin is one of the little things that keeps the airline’s passengers happy in flight

The Wander Wall is an innovative idea from Virgin Atlantic which offers Premium Economy passengers the opportunity to choose from a selection of snacks and soft drinks mid-flight; I’m not aware of any other airline offering such a facility to its Premium Economy passengers.

Also, the Clubhouse. The design and layout are a divergence from the normal type of Business Class lounges at airports all over the world. For example, there is also the Clubhouse Retreat, a relaxation area where passengers can relax prior to their flight, or, go to the opposite extreme and jump on a Peloton.

But what’s most important for business travellers is whether an airline can get them to the place they need to go. Virgin’s network of destinations means that passengers travelling to many parts of North America and Europe can find a route on Virgin or one of its joint venture partners, Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM.

Contact your GTM Account Manager next time you’re flying to a Virgin Atlantic destination.

Dave

British Airways introduces plant-based meals in its lounges

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As part of its commitment to create a more premium experience for its customers, British Airways is set to offer a range of improvements, both on the ground and in the air.

The airline has worked with its expert catering providers to introduce new plant-based menus, including a burger.

British Airways is introducing new plant-based menus across its lounges

The new menus will initially roll out across the airline’s Heathrow lounges, before appearing on its US lounge menus. The airline says it is committed to improving choice, to offer something for everyone whilst championing local producers and businesses.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, across the airline’s Heathrow lounges customers will notice new water stations. Work also continues to remove single-use plastic across the airline, and all plastic water bottles in Heathrow lounges are being replaced with glass, which will be rolled out across the airline’s UK lounges over the next month.

Customers in lounges can also continue to order food using their mobile device directly to their table, an initiative introduced by British Airways during the Covid pandemic which it has decided to keep.

From next month the airline is set to move to the next phase of its dining experience; a service more akin to one that customers would have experienced pre-pandemic. Customers travelling in the airline’s Club Europe cabin can expect a more premium service with new menus with more options as it welcomes back its customers.

The airline is also working on the next phase of its long-haul catering proposition, with exciting changes afoot.

British Airways passengers will continue to be able to order food directly to their table in lounges

Elsewhere, British Airways will continue to explore how technology can enhance the customer journey. The airline will be introducing a new baggage tracing system, allowing customers to track their bag via their phone throughout their journey. From automated lounge entry to new digital signage across the airport, British Airways is focused on making the customer journey even more seamless and stress-free. 

Customers can also expect a few changes at check in with dedicated desks for World Traveller Plus customers and a reimagined Skyflyers programme for children travelling with the airline.

Tom Stevens, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience, said:

We’re committed to ensuring we deliver a premium proposition for our customers throughout their journey with us and when we do so, we need to ensure that sustainability is at the heart of it.

We want to create an even better British Airways and know that we need to keep making changes to the customer experience with things like alternative menus, reducing plastics and introducing new technology to get us to where we want to be. In addition to these improvements, we are also moving ahead at speed with some of the larger initiatives that we promised to our customers, such as the roll out of our award-winning business class seat, Club Suite.

Dave

Choice Hotels and Seera Group open two new properties in Saudi Arabia

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CHME, a fully owned subsidiary of Seera Holding Group has opened two new properties in Saudi Arabia – Clarion Jeddah Airport and Comfort King Road Jeddah.

Clarion Hotel Jeddah Airport has 200 rooms and is located on the Prince Majid Road, just three minutes away from the new King Abdul-Aziz International Airport and Jeddah Airport Train Station.

It is easily accessible from the Jeddah City Centre and also located close to the Mall of Arabia, one of the biggest shopping centres in Jeddah.

The Comfort King Road, with 125 extended stay suites, is located in one of the most prominent areas of Jeddah and in close proximity to the Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah International Airport, and the Madinah Road.

These two openings form part of an agreement between Choice Hotels EMEA and Seera Holding Group to open at least ten hotels in the Kingdom within the next five years.   

Commenting on the openings, Choice Hotels EMEA CEO, Jonathan Mills said: 

As guests continue to return to travel, they desire authentic hotels, and I am pleased Seera group and these two new properties are joining our portfolio.

The properties all differ in style but are all ideally located in central areas across the Kingdom. They have been designed with both a local and international audience in mind and I am sure our guests will be excited by their offerings.

We are the only global hotel company to first enter the Middle East market by opening a hotel in Saudi Arabia, a country placing a substantive focus on developing travel and tourism.

These properties are a meaningful symbol of local and regional economic growth, and we are focused on continuing to increase Choice Hotels footprint in the region.

Majed Alnefaie, CEO of Seera Group said:

Our partnership with Choice Hotels EMEA will further strengthen our credentials in delivering world-class travel and tourism services to our guests through hotel projects in prime locations. This underlines our commitment to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen inward tourism and to build a robust infrastructure that will enable the Kingdom to realize the goals of economic diversification.

Shuja Zaidi, Seera’s Chief Hospitality Officer said: 

Through this strategic partnership, we are further enhancing the hospitality infrastructure of the Kingdom to welcome guests from around the world as well as support domestic tourism.

At CHME-Seera, we are focused on supporting hotel projects that not only reflect the warm hospitality of the Arab world but also deliver modern amenities that meet the requirements of today’s travellers.

As part of the agreement, currently there are several identified projects for Choice Hotels brands throughout Saudi Arabia in various stages of development.


Dave

British Airways adds Nuremberg to short-haul network

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British Airways has announced that it will be introducing a new destination to its Heathrow short-haul network, Nuremberg, in Bavaria, Germany.

Flights to this European city will initially operate four times a week from 27 March. The schedule will then increase to six flights per week starting from 1 May 2022 and four times a week over the winter months. The airline has timed winter flights so that customers can connect to and from other destinations across British Airways’ route network, including services to the USA.

Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second largest city after Munich, and is well known for its cultural landmarks that draws visitors year round, so customers can stroll along the vibrant streets or cruise down the Danube river in the sunshine, as well as explore the spectacular Christmas markets during the festive season.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Networks and Alliances said:

After over 20 months of travel restrictions we know our customers are looking for new and exciting places to visit, so the addition of this route to our short-haul network ahead of the summer season is perfect timing for anyone who would like to plan their trips for the year ahead. Nuremburg offers something for everyone, ranging from sightseeing in the sunshine to exploring the German markets at Christmas, so we hope our customers take full advantage of this new destination to our network.

Customers travelling in the airline’s Euro Traveller (economy) cabin can pre-purchase items from the Speedbird Café, in advance of travel, or can order additional snacks and drinks on board the flight directly to their seat using their mobile device.

The airline’s customers travelling in Club Europe (business class) have access to priority check in, lounges and restaurant style complimentary dining, including items from the airline’s ‘Best of British’ menus.  

Dave

British Airways and Loganair expand codeshare agreement

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British Airways and Loganair have announced a major expansion of their codeshare agreement, offering more choice and connectivity for customers travelling across the UK

The expansion to eighteen new routes will now give British Airways’ customers access to 38 of Loganair’s UK routes, meaning that customers can book onward connections from destinations across the airline’s route network, or point-to-point travel in the UK more easily.

Routes now available to book include:

  • Aberdeen to Belfast City, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and Southampton
  • City of Derry to London and Liverpool
  • Cornwall Airport Newquay to Manchester
  • Exeter to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle
  • Isle of Man to Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester
  • Inverness to Birmingham
  • Norwich to Aberdeen and Edinburgh
  • Teesside to Southampton

British Airways customers travelling from Aberdeen or the Isle of Man to Manchester will also now be able to connect onto the airline’s code share flights on other carriers, including oneworld partners, from the north-west hub.

Destinations include New York, Barbados and Orlando, allowing customers to book a single ticket with assured connections. 

The news of a codeshare expansion between the two carriers comes as Loganair celebrates its 60th birthday, making it the oldest UK airline still operating under its original name.

Loganair’s Chief Executive Jonathan Hinkles said:

We’re delighted to mark Loganair’s 60th anniversary with the expansion of our partnership with British Airways.  

The addition of no fewer than eighteen routes is great news for connectivity to and from the UK regions, and we’re confident that the ability to enjoy Executive Club benefits and a new range of seamless flight connections when flying on selected Loganair routes will bring welcome new choice for British Airways customers when flying in the UK regions. 

The development cements what we believe to be the longest-running relationship between two UK airlines, and it’s a partnership which will continue to deliver for customers throughout the UK.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances, said:

It is great news to be expanding our longstanding codeshare agreement with Loganair.

This will create better connectivity and offer more choice for our customers between UK regions and destinations all over the world thanks to our expansive global route network and Loganair’s extensive regional services.

Dave

Delta is driving change for the Earth and the people on it

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Delta Air Lines is accelerating its efforts to build what it describes as ‘a more sustainable and people-first future for air travel’.

Starting in January 2022, the airline will refresh its onboard product offerings with artisan-made amenity kits, recycled bedding, reusable and biodegradable service ware and premium canned wine.

Together, the products will reduce onboard single-use plastic consumption by approximately 2.2 million kg per year – that’s roughly the weight of 1,500 standard-sized cars.

The airline says these initiatives significantly increase Delta’s support of minority- and women-run businesses.

Allison Ausband, Delta’s E.V.P. and Chief Customer Experience Officer explained:

Decisions we make on every aspect of our product are opportunities to make good on two core promises: to deliver exceptional customer experiences and build a better future for people and our planet.

These latest additions deliver something unique to our customers, reduce our environmental impact and enable job creation for the communities we serve around the world.

Over the past year, Delta has deepened its relationships with suppliers in key markets, which allows the airline to serve more locally sourced menu items, and introduced a beverage lineup that shines a light on the first U.S. black-owned distillery, Du Nord Social Spirits.

Amelia DeLuca, V.P. of Sustainability for Delta said:

Delta has always put people at the centre of everything we do. It’s this people-first focus that led Delta to source new products onboard that reduce waste, bolster diverse suppliers and build communities.

We want to protect our planet and the people on it, and the products we provide onboard are the latest way we’re living out this commitment.


Delta’s partnership with Someone Somewhere has created jobs for more than 250 people in five of Mexico’s most vulnerable states.

Delta One Amenity Kits by Someone Somewhere

Delta has chosen Mexican apparel brand Someone Somewhere to create the amenity kits for customers seated in Delta’s premium Delta One cabin.

Someone Somewhere is a Certified B Corporation that combines Mexican traditional handcrafts with innovative products.

The new amenity kit eliminates five single-use plastic items, reducing plastic use by up to 40,000kg on an annual basis. Someone Somewhere’s artisanal production processes also eliminate waste and utilise ‘regenerated cotton’.

The new kits will launch onboard beginning in February and will contain sustainable, wellness-focused products including a Someone Somewhere eye mask, Grown Alchemist natural lip balm and hand lotion, and a Humble Co. bamboo toothbrush.

Both Grown Alchemist products onboard will transition to aluminium packaging in April 2022.

Premium bedding helps to recycle 25 million bottles a year

Bedding made from recycled materials

Delta’s soft, comfortable and premium bedding sets are now made with more than 100 recycled plastic bottles, which will use 25 million recycled bottles annually.

The airline is among the first to use 100% recycled polyester (rPET) bedding.

Combined with the new use of reusable bedding packaging, the rPET bedding will reduce single-use plastic use by up to 117,000 kg per year.

The sets began appearing on board in December 2021.

Bamboo cutlery will be rolled out across Delta’s cabins this year

Refreshed serviceware

Delta continues to overhaul its onboard service ware globally by introducing products made from natural and recycled materials to replace and reduce plastic usage.

When the project is complete later this year, the transition will reduce annual plastic use by up to 1.95 million kg.

Delta now offers bamboo cutlery for domestic First Class fresh packaged meals and on select international flights.

Later this year, all international Main Cabin customers will also see new dishware made from biodegradable material, bamboo cutlery and a premium paper placemat.

Havinging grown up between her family’s two Sonoma wineries Jamie Benziger is blazing her own trail in the wine industry.

Imagery Estate Winery premium canned wine

Delta will now serve two new aluminium-canned wines from Imagery Estate Winery, a premium Sonoma winery led by award-winning winemaker Jamie Benziger.

In 2019, Jamie was named Best Winemaker at the International Women’s Wine Competition and named to Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 list.

Delta will offer Imagery’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay onboard starting with select coast-to-coast flights this month and will expand to all domestic flights later this year.

The wine’s aluminum packaging reduces annual plastic use by up to 113,000 kg.

Imagery’s wines are also sustainably grown, as certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

Dave

My favourite hotel: The Sloane Square Hotel – Paul Baker

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Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management shares his favourite central London hotel and tells us why The Sloane Square Hotel provides the perfect central London accommodation.

Location

As Paul says, ‘you can’t get a better location that this’.

The Sloane Square Hotel is not just in London, it’s at the very heart of central London. Nestled into the north side of Sloane Square, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

It’s a perfect location for business travellers. It’s in the middle of the very best locations in central London, surrounded by world-leading businesses, Kensington Olympia, High Commissions and Embassies.

But it’s also a perfect base from which to extend a business trip into some leisure time, as it’s so close to great shops, museums, the V&A, Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the Saatchi Gallery; West End theatres; Kensington Palace.

It’s no surprise that we’re often asked to extend midweek business trips to include a weekend with families.

And, importantly, it’s handy for a couple of football clubs: the best team in the area, Fulham, and some other team that plays in blue.

Rooms

The Sloane Square Hotel is located in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

The hotel offers 100 bedrooms, with an array of room types, overlooking Sloane Square, or the quiet calm of rooms opposite Holy Trinity Church.

The Junior Suite is great. 27 square metres, including a seating area in a bay window overlooking the Square; Wi-Fi; complimentary min-bar soft drinks; luxury bathroom; Nespresso coffee machine; neck and back massager; safe; television and, to celebrate a successful business trip, Champagne.

The Superior rooms are exactly that: with an excellent range of amenities and about 23 square metres of space.

And the Club Family room is really popular for business trips that are extended to include family, with accommodation for two adults and a child.

Design

The hotel was completely renovated and redesigned in 2005/6. But it retains plenty of the character of the hotel that has stood on the site for more than 120 years.

It’s no surprise that the hotel has welcomed some of the most stylish people, especially during Chelsea’s swinging sixties.

The Beatles are said to have stayed at the hotel. I can understand why. But you won’t experience a hard day’s night here.

Staff

I have always had a great welcome from all the staff at The Sloane Square Hotel.

If you can judge a hotel on its staff alone – and there’s much, much more to this hotel than just the staff – then this hotel is worth every single one of its stars.

The Junios Suite at The Sloane Square Hotel has a seating area in bay window overlooking Sloane Square. a bathroom with a free-standing bath and separate shower and a luxury King size bed with high-quality linen to make you feel special.

The Sloane Square Hotel has been a favourite of Global Travel Management’s for sometime now. It is ideal for leisure and business travellers, in part because of its location and for its access to no fewer than twelve London Underground stations, on the Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & Fulham and Piccadilly Lines. The Côte Brasserie restaurant offers an imaginative French inspired menu at great prices.

When you’re next visiting central London contact your GTM Account Manager to book the best rates at The Sloane Square Hotel.

Dave

British Airways and American Airlines unveil plans for enhancements to JFK

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British Airways and American Airlines announced more details regarding plans to co-locate operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 8 beginning 1 December 2022.

Enabled by a $400 million investment to redevelop, expand and enhance the terminal, the move will bring the Atlantic Joint Business partners closer together. Jointly, the terminal investments and co-location will offer a more seamless customer experience while supporting the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s ambitious plan to transform JFK into a leading global airport.

American is eager to welcome British Airways to their new home at JFK. Their move to Terminal 8 further deepens our longstanding partnership and makes it easier than ever for customers traveling between New York and London or onward across our global networks.

Alison Taylor, American’s Chief Customer Officer

British Airways and American were the first carriers to begin redevelopment efforts at JFK, breaking ground in January 2020 on five new widebody gates, four new widebody hardstand parking positions, an enhanced baggage handling system, new customer amenities and expanded premium guest offerings — including approximately 130,000 square feet of new and renovated terminal space.

New York holds a special place in our heart as one of our most well-loved and important destinations. Our move to the redeveloped and expanded Terminal 8 will bring a range of benefits for our customers, including a better transfer experience, enabling them to travel to more than 30 destinations across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America with American Airlines.

British Airways will remain in Terminal 7 until 1 December, and we have continued to invest in the experience for our customers, including our check-in area, concessions and lounges.

Tom Stevens, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience

When complete later this year, premium customers traveling on both airlines and other oneworld partners will have access to a reimagined journey through JFK depicted by newly released artist illustrations.

As customers arrive at Terminal 8, a co-branded premium check-in area providing personalised, concierge-style service for top-tier guests will replace American’s former Flagship First Check-In space. Thoughtfully designed architectural elements will also define an exclusive new check-in space for eligible business customers.

Once through security, three distinctive custom lounges combining the best of both brands will provide a refined, welcoming preflight experience for select guests based on cabin of travel and loyalty program status. The expanded premium lounge offerings will incorporate seating for approximately 1,000 of American and British Airways’ most loyal customers.  Each lounge has been designed with original high-end finishes — evoking a unique sense of space while elevating the experience and service offered to every guest.

The most exclusive lounge will have an all-new champagne bar, fireside lounge and a la carte dining room, which ‘reimagines American’s Flagship First Dining into a fully immersive experience’.
Adjacent, another premium lounge — with sweeping airside views, a wine bar, cocktail lounge, library and buffet — will offer ‘an elevated, lively experience’.

American’s Flagship Lounge and Concourse B Admirals Club will be repurposed into a contiguous lounge for eligible business class customers.

While disruptions to the customer journey remain limited, American’s Flagship First Check-in at JFK is expected to close from 1 February for construction. Premium customers traveling on eligible itineraries will be directed to temporary check-in counters located nearby. All lounge spaces will remain open and operational through the duration of the redevelopment project. Following completion, the Concourse B Admirals Club will close. The Concourse C Admirals Club will continue to serve members, qualifying elite customers and those traveling on eligible itineraries.

As Atlantic Joint Business partners, American and British Airways offer the most flights and the most competitive schedule for customers traveling between New York and London compared to any other partnership — with up to fourteen peak daily departures scheduled to operate between JFK and London Heathrow Airport this summer.

When co-located, American and British Airways customers will be able to realize even more value from established reciprocal benefits while enjoying unprecedented flexibility and a truly seamless connecting experience when traveling across airlines. Until operations are fully transitioned to Terminal 8 in December, British Airways will continue to provide a world-class experience for their customers at JFK’s Terminal 7.


Dave

Four Seasons: growth driven by development pipeline and enhanced commercial strategy

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Luxury hospitality company Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts continues to solidify its position through the strategic expansion of its portfolio of hotels, resorts and residential developments.

The company is also extending its luxury lifestyle offering through the growth of Private Retreats, its portfolio of luxury villa and vacation home rentals; its bespoke Private Jet experience; and through the Four Seasons at Home luxury goods collection.

Despite industry-wide challenges caused by the pandemic, Four Seasons outlook for 2022 builds upon the success of the past year, including the addition of highly anticipated new hotels, resorts and residences in key markets, and the extension of its standalone residential collection with new properties opening last year in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Supporting this growth, the company’s longstanding shareholder, an affiliate of Cascade Investment, L.L.C. (Cascade), closed this month on its acquisition of a majority stake in Four Seasons from its long-term investment partner, an affiliate of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC). The transaction marks a pivotal point for the company, further demonstrating Cascade’s commitment to provide Four Seasons with resources to accelerate growth, support the company’s properties and owners, and expand its strategic goals. KHC retains a 23.75% stake in Four Seasons and remains strongly dedicated to the company’s considerable opportunities.

John Davison – “Always remaining focused on our long-term goals and staying true to our strategic pillars has been the key to the company’s success”.

2022 marks an important moment in the evolution of Four Seasons as we sharpen our development focus in key markets, strengthen our leadership position as an iconic luxury brand and capitalise on new opportunities that will continue to drive and diversify our growth.

Realising these opportunities means investing in our greatest competitive advantage – our people. For more than 60 years, the strength of Four Seasons has been grounded in our unmatched commitment to service excellence.

As we grow with intention, so too do the opportunities for our people, ensuring we create an environment in which they can flourish.

Thriving employees ultimately deliver an exceptional guest experience. And as we adapt to the pandemic with innovations such as our Lead With Carehealth and safety program, the deep connection between the success of our employees and the service delivered to our guests has never been more important to Four Seasons long-term success.

John Davison, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Private Retreats at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley

Four Seasons is building on the momentum of its successful 2021 openings in strategic markets, including in Napa Valley, California; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Taormina, Italy.

The company continues to accelerate expansion plans worldwide with four openings planned for 2022, including exciting new developments in Tamarindo, Mexico; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Along with the accelerated pace of new openings, the high valuations and increasing demand for existing Four Seasons properties managed on behalf of owners speaks to the strength of the Four Seasons brand.

Four Seasons has more than 50 new projects under planning or development, including in Italy, Spain, China, Japan, Colombia, Belize and across key markets in the US, all of which will add to the company’s existing portfolio of 122 hotels and resorts and 48 residential properties in 47 countries around the world.  

Four Seasons has a strong, strategic growth trajectory – an extensive pipeline of projects that will open in key global destinations, with visionary development partners who share our commitment to excellence. Our residential business in particular is a key pillar in our growth plans, with a five-year pipeline of USD 7 billion in gross sales value comprising more than 30 projects worldwide.

Our continued growth in residential, a space in which we’ve been a leader since 1985, speaks to our deep understanding of the luxury consumer – those who want to live and experience the Four Seasons lifestyle. With our development partners, we continue to capitalise on the right opportunities in markets that are relevant to luxury consumers, elevating our residential offering and ensuring that Four Seasons is the address of choice in every location where we operate.

Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah

New standalone Private Residences, developments not connected to a hotel or resort, set to open in the coming years include Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah – a project that fully sold out before public sales began – Four Seasons Private Residences Lake Austin and Four Seasons Private Residences Marrakech at M Avenue. These new standalone developments join the company’s current collection in London, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Other upcoming residential developments connected to an existing or soon-to-open Four Seasons property include Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis, Nashville, Mumbai, Cartagena and Belize.

As Four Seasons extends its portfolio globally, the company does so with consideration for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities.

Four Seasons claims to be committed to sustainable hospitality, including reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, eliminating waste, and sourcing responsibly.

To further its commitments to address waste and protect local ecosystems, the company aims to remove all single-use plastic from the guest experience by the end of 2022.

Four Seasons has a long history of employee care, community support and philanthropy. Central to Four Seasons employee experience and social impact programming is the company’s commitment to supporting cancer research, and the advancement of diversity, inclusion, equality and belonging at Four Seasons corporate offices and properties worldwide.

Last year, Four Seasons announced the appointment of Marc Speichert as the company’s first Chief Commercial Officer.

Four Seasons’ personalisation and guest-focused lens extends to Four Seasons digital ecosystem and investments in technology across these platforms continue to roll out globally, focused on gaining deeper insights to enhance the guest experience.

The evolution of the company’s digital capabilities, driven by Four Seasons award-winning App and Chat and FourSeasons.com, will further personalise every touch point of the guest journey.

With usage growing by nearly 300% since 2019, the App’s industry-leading technology empowers guests and residents to control their Four Seasons experience, engaging with real Four Seasons employees on property who deliver curated service characterised by personal connections and emotional intelligence.

New App and Chat features to be rolled out also include the introduction of a mobile key and mobile payments, as well as enhancements to the restaurant and bar digital experience.

Contact your GTM Account Manager to book rooms at Four Seasons properties, anywhere in the world.